Sounders owner Joe Roth declared the signing as "an historic day" for his MLS team, saying, "Clint is a world-class soccer player who can take this club to a higher level. We have been consistent in our message to the fans that we will spare no expense to win trophies."

Dempsey was given the all-star treatment in front of the Sounders supporters on Saturday night as he was unveiled at CenturyLink Field.

The USMNT skipper, who has earned 99 caps for his country, wore a hooded sweatshirt at first before slowly revealing a Sounders jersey to the sell-out crowd when Roth asked him which club he had chosen to play for in the MLS.